Tri-tip, a versatile and tender cut of beef, is rapidly gaining popularity beyond California’s borders. Thanks to its scarce connective tissue, tri-tip cooks promptly, requiring precautions to prevent overcooking.
To avoid overcooking, you can track the internal temperature of your tri-tip using a probe thermometer. Medium-rare tri-tip measures approximately 120-130°F internally, which is a challenging feat without a thermometer.
It is critical to cut the tri-tip against the grain, as any other direction may result in tough and chewy meat. Also, it is best to remove the fat before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Various methods, such as Santa Maria-style, classic BBQ rubs, or simple salt and pepper seasoning, are available to prepare tri-tip. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this adaptable beef cut.
How To Make Santa Maria Grilled Tri-Tip
To prepare a mouthwatering Santa Maria grilled tri-tip, the following ingredients are required:
- a tri-tip roast weighing anywhere between 1.5 to 2.5 lbs,
- a tablespoon of garlic powder,
- a tablespoon of Kosher salt,
- and a tablespoon of black pepper.
It is important to note that you may substitute this rub for any BBQ rub of your choice to impart a different flavor profile.
1 step
To begin the recipe, let us proceed to the first step
Santa Maria tri-tip is typically cooked over red oak wood, and if you happen to have wood chips on hand, you may insert a few into the charcoal, or if you’re utilizing a burner, into the foil packet.
2 step
The next step involves preheating the gas grill by setting all the burners on medium-high for ten minutes. For charcoal grills, the chimney must be prepared with briquettes, and their tops must be monitored closely. Once they turn gray, they must be placed onto one half of the grill, leaving the other half coal-free, which will give you a two-zone fire.
3 step
After the grill has been heated sufficiently, the grill grates must be well oiled and free from any grime, grease, or dirt. Now it is time to start cooking the tri-tip.
4 step
Place the meat directly onto the hot side of the grill and sear for 3 minutes. However, it is worth noting that you may sear for a longer period if you prefer, but it is best not to exceed 5 minutes. Once you’ve seared one side, flip the meat over and sear the other side for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring that it doesn’t cook too much on either side.
5 step
Once the tri-tip has been seared on both sides, it may be placed on the grill’s cooler half. If you’re utilizing a gas grill, you must turn one side of the burners off, then place the tri-tip on that side. If you’re using a charcoal grill, simply place the tri-tip on the coal-free area.
6 step
This is the ideal time to use your probe meat thermometer. Simply stick it into the thickest part of the meat, being careful so that you don’t burn yourself. Place the lid back on the grill, then cook for 12-15 minutes.
If your tri-tip is on the lighter side, weighing less than 1.5lbs, you may begin checking the internal temperature when 12 minutes have passed. Larger cuts weighing over 2.5lbs will take longer to cook, so you may want to check at 14 minutes.
You may remove the tri-tip from the grill once the thermometer reads 125-130°F, unless you prefer your meat well-done. After the meat has been removed from the grill, it must be left to cool down for ten minutes. You may then slice the meat against the grain in the manner described above.
For the ultimate Santa Maria-style tri-tip experience, it is best served with Santa Maria salsa, pinquito beans, and thick, crusty bread. We’ve included some recipes for the salsa and beans below, so you can elevate your Santa Maria grilled tri-tip to the next level.
How To Make Santa Maria Pinquito Beans
Nestled amidst the vibrant California central coast lies a small yet intriguing variety of beans, known as the Pinquito beans. These pink-hued legumes are a delightful addition to any kitchen and can be paired impeccably with the Santa Maria tri-tip.
However, sourcing these elusive beans can be a herculean task, but fear not! If you find yourself in such a predicament, feel free to substitute with the equally enticing pink or pinto beans.
Let us now delve into the ingredients required to create this culinary masterpiece.
You will require
- two cans of 15-ounce Pinquito beans,
- four tantalizing strips of bacon,
- a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes,
- two tablespoons of chili sauce,
- a teaspoon of brown sugar,
- a teaspoon of paprika,
- and half a cup of diced smoked ham.
1 step
To commence the culinary process, we shall first undertake the arduous task of cooking the bacon in a skillet until it reaches the pinnacle of crispiness. Once you have achieved this feat, carefully remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving behind the beguiling bacon fat. At this point, introduce the garlic to the skillet, allowing it to cook for precisely one minute.
2 step
Following this, add the remaining ingredients, excluding the bacon, into the skillet and let them cook for approximately five minutes. As the final touch, add the strips of bacon to the mix, and voila! Your Pinquito bean dish is now ready to be savored and relished, served piping hot in a delightful bowl.
How To Make Santa Maria Salsa
Santa Maria salsa, with its delectable flavor profile, is a perfect accompaniment to crusty bread. The marriage of Santa Maria tri-tip and pinquito beans with this salsa creates a culinary symphony that will have your taste buds singing in joy. As described above, this pairing is truly a match made in culinary heaven.
The process of creating this tantalizing salsa requires a list of ingredients that are finely chopped, including
- a pound of ripe red tomatoes,
- two finely chopped celery sticks,
- three finely chopped green onions,
- two chopped Anaheim chiles,
- and half a bunch of cilantro.
This list of ingredients is then rounded off with the
- juice of one lime,
- a dash of white vinegar,
- a hint of Tabasco sauce,
- and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
To achieve the perfect flavor balance, one must season this delectable salsa with salt, pepper, and garlic to taste. This is a crucial step in the process, as it elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
In conclusion, creating the perfect Santa Maria salsa is an art form that requires a keen sense of culinary intuition. With its complex flavor profile and varying degrees of burstiness, this dish is sure to delight even the most discerning of palates.
So go ahead and try your hand at making this exquisite salsa, and experience the culinary magic that is Santa Maria cuisine.
How To Cook Tri-Tip In The Oven: Butterfly Method
The methodology for cooking Tri-Tip in an oven via the butterfly method is predicated upon the utilization of an oven preheated to 400°F. This protocol is equally applicable whether the tri-tip remains in its whole form or has been butterflyed.
In order to proceed with the aforementioned procedure, one would require a butterflied tri-tip roast, weighing in the range of 1.5-2.5 lbs, or alternatively, tri-tip steaks. The ingredients list should also include salt and pepper, for seasoning purposes, and olive oil.
- To commence the process, one must first preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Following this, a large skillet should be heated with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Thereafter, the tri-tip should be sautéed on each side for four minutes, following which it should be placed in the oven.
- It is advisable to insert an oven-proof probe thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.
- Upon the tri-tip thermometer reaching 120-125°F, it should be removed from the oven and left to rest for a duration of five minutes.
- The residual heat will facilitate a transition to a medium-rare stage.
However, if one desires a meat that is cooked to a greater extent, it may be left in the oven for a few additional minutes. It is essential to exercise caution and ensure that the meat is not overcooked.
After the tri-tip has rested, one should utilize a long, sharp slicing knife to cut against the grain. This would allow for the meat to be served alongside one’s preferred side dishes.
How To Cook Whole Tri-Tip Roasts In The Oven
For an exquisite culinary experience, indulge in the rich flavors of a perfectly cooked tri-tip.
To prepare this tantalizing dish, you will require a few essential ingredients:
- a whole tri-tip cut of meat,
- a tablespoon of olive oil,
- a teaspoon of black pepper,
- two teaspoons of kosher salt,
- and half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Before commencing your culinary journey, it’s essential to preheat the oven to a scorching 400°F. As the oven heats up, take a heavy, large skillet and heat it over mid-high heat.
After waiting for the olive oil to flicker, it’s time to unleash the flavors of the tri-tip by rubbing it with the delectable dry rub ingredients: salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- With your taste buds tantalized, take the tri-tip and place it in the skillet to be tantalized on all sides until it turns a magnificent shade of brown.
- Once the tri-tip has reached the perfect level of doneness, transfer the skillet, with the tri-tip still in it, to the oven, where it will continue to cook to culinary perfection.
- As you eagerly await the final result, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check if the tri-tip has reached the desired internal temperature, taking care not to overcook it.
- If you’re seeking a medium-rare tri-tip, remove it from the oven at precisely 120-125°F.
- However, if you prefer a more well-done meat, leave it in the oven for a while longer.
- After removing the tri-tip from the oven, let it rest for ten minutes, allowing the juices to flow and the flavors to intermingle. During this time, the remaining heat will work its magic, slowly cooking the meat to an internal temperature of 130°F.
- Once the meat has rested, it’s time to slice it against the grain and serve it alongside your favorite side dish.
In conclusion, cooking the perfect tri-tip is an art that requires skill and precision. With the right ingredients, techniques, and tools, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will leave your guests begging for more.
So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that will take your taste buds to new heights of ecstasy.
How To Avoid Chewy Tri-Tip
The art of cooking meat to perfection is a nuanced task, and achieving the ideal texture can be an elusive feat.
Chewy tri-tip is a culinary nightmare that no one wants to experience, yet it can occur when the meat is cooked too hastily. Fear not, for there are ways to circumvent this unfortunate outcome.
- One potential solution is to massage oil into the meat prior to cooking. The combination of massaging and oil application can tenderize the meat, rendering it less dense and more palatable.
- Another option is to marinate the meat for an extended period of time, allowing it to fully absorb the flavors and become more tender. A duration of eight hours is optimal, but even a single hour can elevate the meat’s roasting capabilities significantly.
- A key component to bear in mind is the temperature of the meat prior to cooking. Taking the meat out of the refrigerator approximately thirty minutes beforehand can ensure that it starts cooking at room temperature, decreasing the chances of overcooking later on.
- Additionally, using a meat thermometer can aid in achieving the desired level of doneness. It is important to note that residual heat will continue to cook the meat after it is removed from the grill or oven, so taking it off five degrees below the target level is a recommended guideline.
- Properly slicing the meat is another crucial step in preventing chewiness. An incorrect slicing technique can result in a tough, chewy cut. When it comes to tri-tip, always slice against the grain with a sharp, elongated knife for optimal results.
With these tips in mind, you can avoid the scourge of chewy tri-tip and savor the perfect cut of meat.
